Review by Rosie Niven
What do you do when you find your neighbour’s dog dead in the middle of the night, with a garden fork sticking out of him? If you’re 15 year old Christopher, you put on your detective hat and get to solving the mystery.
Based on the 2003 novel by Mark Haddon and adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime follows Christopher (played by the vibrant and engaging Daniel R Nixon), a teenage boy on the autism spectrum. Looking to solve the murder of his neighbour’s dog Wellington, Christopher sets off on an adventure to delve into the secrets of those living in his street, uncovering some even closer to home.
If you’re looking for an example of a seamless ensemble that richly contributes to each part of the narrative, this is it. Comprised of Nicholas Brown, Roy Joseph, Tracy Mann, Ariadne Sgouros, the group move effortlessly about the stage, providing little insights into the world that surround Christoper, from the myriad of neighbours he questions about the murder of Wellington to the sea of bodies that overwhelm him as he ventures out into the world. No matter how quick the appearance of these characters, each one is thoughtfully considered.
Also joining Christopher’s world is Brigid Zengeni as the steadfast and caring Siobhan, Brandon McClelland as the loving father Ed who just wants the best for his son, and Matilda Ridgway as the impulsive mother Judy, who loves Christopher but can’t handle the pressure of raising a child on the spectrum. There really isn’t a single fault in their portrayals. In the capable hands of Director Hannah Goodwin, this team truly shines.
Christopher’s world is created for the audience before the actors step on stage. Zoe Atkinson’s set creates a playground for the imagination, inviting audiences to see the world the way Christopher does through a sense of play and creativity. By creating a set less reliant on high-tech additions than previous iterations of this work, the audience must make a choice to dive into Christopher’s world headfirst and enjoy their own sense of whimsy.
Besides the striking approach to the narrative, what stood out about Belvoir’s latest production was their approach to accessibility. The split flap display at the back of the stage not only jumps through time to create a sense of the breadth of Christopher’s journey, but also provides an indication of upcoming scenes or interactions between characters that may cause sensory overwhelm. A simple way to ensure all can enjoy this brilliant work, while inviting neurotypical audience members to understand how those on the spectrum may engage with sounds or sights differently.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime is a powerful work that examines the ways in which we connect as humans, and Belvoir’s production elevates the storytelling to a new level. This is a production with humanity, heart and an absolute must see.
Image Credit: Brett Boardman
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